Judge threatens Trump attorney with jail, former president storms out of courtroom
Chaotic Scenes Unfold in New York Courtroom as Trump Faces Defamation Case
In a New York federal court on Friday, the atmosphere was electric as former President Donald Trump found himself entangled in a defamation case brought by writer E. Jean Carroll.
The trial took an unexpected turn when U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan threatened to put one of Trump’s attorneys in “lockup.” The tension escalated further when Trump abruptly stormed out of the courtroom before closing arguments, only to return later.
Prior to the opening arguments, Kaplan engaged in a dispute with Trump’s attorney, Alina Habba, over a slide that the defense team wanted to present to the jurors. Carroll’s legal team objected, arguing that the contents of the slide were not entered as evidence, as reported by The Messenger.
Habba and Kaplan engaged in a heated argument until the judge’s patience wore thin. “You are on the verge of spending some time in the lockup,” Kaplan sternly warned the attorney. “Sit down.”
According to the New York Post, Habba promptly complied and took her seat.
Later in the trial, Trump dramatically stormed out of the courtroom just minutes into Carroll’s legal team’s closing arguments. It is worth noting that Trump’s presence was not mandatory for civil proceedings, unlike in criminal cases.
Kaplan made a record of the disturbance, stating, “The record will reflect that Mr. Trump just rose and walked out of the courtroom.” He added, “Defense counsel are to remain seated.”
About an hour later, Trump returned to the courtroom in time to witness the closing arguments presented by his own legal team, according to NBC News.
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Defamation Case Outcome and Requested Damages
Trump has already been found liable for defamation in this case. The current proceedings aim to determine the amount of damages owed to Carroll. The 80-year-old writer initially requested $10 million, but during the closing arguments, her attorney increased the requested penalty to $24 million, stating that Trump deserved to pay Carroll “at least” that much, as reported by the Post.
Habba delivered the closing arguments for Trump’s team, arguing that the case against the former president is misdirected. She claimed that the case revolves around online trolls and that Trump should not be held responsible for the actions of others.
“Ladies and gentlemen, this isn’t about President Trump and E. Jean Carroll, this is about some people in their mother’s basements who will always be mean on social media. You can’t stop that,” Habba passionately stated, according to the Post.
The day before the trial, CNN legal expert Nick Ackerman predicted that Kaplan would have Trump “taken out” by marshals if he were to step out of line.
“I think the judge has already got the marshals lined up,” Ackerman, a former prosecutor, remarked. “If [Trump] steps one iota out of line, he’s going to be taken out by the marshals.”
What are the implications of the jury’s verdict in the defamation lawsuit for both Trump and other public figures facing similar legal battles
According to the New York Post. The reason behind Trump’s abrupt departure and subsequent return remains unknown, leaving spectators and legal analysts puzzled.
The case at hand revolves around a defamation lawsuit filed by E. Jean Carroll against Donald Trump. Carroll, a writer and columnist, accused Trump of sexually assaulting her in a department store dressing room in the mid-1990s. Trump denied the allegations and dismissed Carroll’s claims as a politically motivated fabrication.
The trial began with opening statements from both parties. Trump’s legal team argued that the former president’s statements about Carroll were mere opinions and political rhetoric protected by the First Amendment. On the other hand, Carroll’s legal team sought to demonstrate that Trump’s statements went beyond protected speech, constituting defamation.
Throughout the trial, tensions ran high, with frequent objections, heated arguments, and tense exchanges between the attorneys and the judge. The atmosphere in the courtroom was described as chaotic, reflecting the high-stakes nature of the case and the strong emotions it elicited.
One incident that particularly stood out was Judge Kaplan’s threat to put Trump’s attorney, Alina Habba, in ”lockup.” This escalated dispute over a slide that the defense team wanted to present to the jurors highlighted the contentious nature of the proceedings. It also underscored the judge’s firmness in maintaining decorum and ensuring a fair trial.
Trump’s decision to leave the courtroom during Carroll’s closing arguments added further drama to an already intense trial. While his absence was not legally required, it raised eyebrows and sparked speculation about his motives and strategies. The fact that he eventually returned, timing perfectly with his own legal team’s arguments, added an air of mystery to the episode.
The outcome of the trial remains uncertain. If the jury finds in favor of Carroll, it could have significant implications for not only Trump but also other public figures facing defamation lawsuits. On the other hand, a verdict in Trump’s favor would strengthen the defense’s argument that his statements fall under protected speech, potentially setting a precedent for future cases.
Regardless of the final verdict, the chaotic scenes and tense atmosphere unfolding in the New York courtroom during Trump’s defamation case have captivated public attention. The trial not only serves as a reflection of the complex legal battles surrounding issues of defamation and free speech but also sheds light on the ongoing controversies and divisions surrounding Trump’s presidency.
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